RedemptGYM by Kristin Garth

The training center’s in the woods where cell
reception isn’t good. Your slot you earned
bones, broken, scars, dislocated ankle
on beam, that labral tear from bars. You learned
submission your first day of gym. Ignore
the pain; to coaches, listen, body mute
at five years old. Texas deployed, a corps
of teens for gold. Physician, absolute
rule, wheels you in, post a crash landing vault,
Your knee hyperextended. His eyes shut,
fingers inside — these special treatments mass assaults
for twenty years officials hide — for what?
Young bodies sacrificed, gold medals, games
reclaimed in court each girl who speaks his name.

Kristin Garth is a Pushcart & Best of the Net nominated sonnet stalker.  Her poetry has stalked magazines like Glass, Yes, Five:2: One, Former Cactus, Occulum & many more.  She has four chapbooks including Shakespeare for Sociopaths (Hedgehog Poetry Press). She has another forthcoming, Puritan U (Rhythm & Bones Press March 2019). Her full length, Candy Cigarette, is forthcoming April 2019 (The Hedgehog Poetry Press). Follow her on Twitter:  (@lolaandjolie), and her website kristingarth.com

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